Ross Garfield is the famous Drum Doctor and he has 4 quick drum tuning tips that every drummer, engineer and producer should know.
If the snares buzz when the toms are hit:
Check that the snares are straight
Check to see whether the snares are flat and centered on the drum
Loosen the bottom head
Retune the offending toms
Use an alternate snare drum
If the snare has too much ring:
Tune the heads lower
Use a heavier head, such as a coated Remo Emperor
Use a full or partial muffling ring, or add some tape or Moongel
If the kick drum isn’t punchy and lacks power in the context of the music:
Try increasing and decreasing the amount of muffling in the drum, a sandbag, or try a different blanket or pillow
Change to a heavier, uncoated head, such as a clear Emperor or Powerstroke
Change to a thinner front head or one with a larger cutout
If one or more of the toms are difficult to tune or have an unwanted “growl”:
Check the top heads for dents and replace as necessary.
Check the evenness of tension all around on the top and bottom heads.
Tighten the bottom head.
